Thomas Baker Obituary

Thomas Francis Baker SALISBURY, NC - Thomas Francis Baker, 93, of Salisbury, NC died Sunday June 14th, 2015 at his home in Salisbury surrounded by his family. Born July 21, 1921 in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the youngest of five children of the late Thomas Francis Sr. and Mary Hogan Baker. He proudly served his country with the United States Navy where he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3). With more than 30 years of combined service, he was a veteran of WWII serving aboard four different ships and participating in countless naval battles including the battle of Empress Augusta Bay and the bombardment of Iwo Jima. Following his active duty service, he entered civil service and worked in the US Postal Service until he retired in 1976. After his civil service retirement, he embarked upon a career in accounting. Thomas was a long time member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Charleston. He worked tirelessly for the church and rose to ranking of 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus. Along with his parents and siblings, he is preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Clara Dare Caldwell Baker and a son, Jerry Thomas Baker. Those left to treasure his memory are his son, Donald F. Baker and wife Susan of Clearwater, FL, daughter-in-law Judi D Baker of Burlington, NC, grandchildren Tom Baker of Lexington, SC, Lisa Clark and husband Bill of Salisbury, NC, Donald Baker Jr. and wife Dawn of Chesapeake, VA, Anthony Baker of Fredericksburg, VA, Daniel Baker of Mebane, NC; great-grandchildren Lauren Collins, William Clark, Joseph Clark, Caroline Clark, and Cody Baker. Service: Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday (June 18) at 11:00am; conducted by Father John Eckert. Burial will be at sea by the United States Navy at a later date. The family will receive friends at his home (110 S. Milford Dr.) immediately following the mass. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane Salisbury, NC 28144 Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Baker family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston